NBA rising stars discuss challenge of adjusting to pros

Just as the title of the event suggests, the NBA's Rising Stars Challenge at the Barclays Center Friday night will showcase some of the league's youngest stars.

Not included in that title, though, is the adjustments needed for those rising stars as they move from the college to the pros.

Unlike the world of college basketball, the NBA has more games, more travel, and an intensity level unlike any conference or geographical rivalry.

So what was the hardest adjustment?

"I'd definitely have to say the physicality," Philadelphia 76ers forward Nerlens Noel said. "The game moves so fast you have to be able to slow your mind down in a lot of different ways and be able to let the game come to you."

With the help of his coaches, Noel said he's been able to do that, and it shows.

After knee surgery sidelined him for his first NBA season, Noel leads all rookies this season in rebounds, blocked shots and steals.

"To be back on the court, and be around guys around the league, around my age, going through what I'm going through, being so new to me, it feels good," he said.

Minnesota Timberwolves rookie point guard Zach LaVine, who's participating in this year's dunk contest, said he adapted to the pace of the game pretty easily. But the late-night flights and early practices took its toll on him.

"Only part that was hard was flying in at 2 o'clock in the morning and waking up for a shootaround at 9," the No. 13 overall pick said. "It's hard on your body."

Second-year guard Michael Carter-Williams of the 76ers said the additional games can wear on younger players.

"The amount of games we play, the amount of traveling we do, it really makes a wear and tear on your body," he said.

The NBA season is more than twice the amount of games played in college, and that includes those schools who reach the Final Four.

Carter-Williams, however, excelled in his first season. He averaged 16.7 points, 6.2 rebounds and 6.3 assists per game to earn Rookie of the Year honors.

His advice to this year's rookies was simple: Play your game and don't forget why you're in the NBA.

"Sleep, eat, do all those little things to keep your mind right," said Carter-Williams, who is averaging 15 points, 6.2 rebounds and 7.4 assists this season. "Just do your best out there. Don't shy away because you're a rookie. You're in the league for a reason. You belong in the league just as much as anyone else."